Water leaders from the San Gabriel Valley praise states action on conservation

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SAN GABRIEL VALLEY >> Tuesday’s action by the state Water Resources Control Board to impose strict water conservation measures on Californians was praised by officials from two regional water districts.

The board approved fines up to $500 a day for people who waste water on landscaping, fountains, washing vehicles and other outdoor uses.

“It’s a critical step,” said Shane Chapman, general manager for Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District. “It will bring home to every California how serious this drought is.”

One issue will be enforcement, Chapman said.

Neither his agency nor the Central Basin Municipal Water District, which serves the Southeast area of Los Angeles County, have enforcement powers.

“It’s never been done before,” Chapman said. “Clearly there will be a lot of questions from city councils and (retail) water boards on how they go about implementing (the new rules).”

Joe Legaspi, spokesman for Central Basin, said his agency also will try to work to reduce water use with rebates and provide other ways to conserve water.

However, most of the focus is likely to be on reducing outdoor water use, Legaspi said.

“Most water use takes place outdoors,” said Legaspi, referring to the watering of lawns and gardens, the filling of swimming pools and the washing of driveways and patios.

Chapman agrees.

“There’s quite a bit of a challenge to get people to use more California-friendly sustainable landscapes,” Chapman said. “That’s why we’re focusing all of our programs on outdoor water use.”